Belarus: Nationwide anti-government protests scheduled on September 27 /update 51

Event

Nationwide anti-government protests are scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 27, following the abrupt inauguration of Alexander Lukashenko's sixth term as president on Wednesday, September 23. A protest in Minsk is scheduled to take place at approximately 14:00 (local time). Other protests are expected to occur in other cities throughout the country. The demonstrations are expected to be well attended.

A heightened security presence and localized disruptions to transport are to be expected in the vicinity of the event.

Context 

Election officials announced that Lukashenko had won 80 percent of the vote in the presidential election held on August 9, with the main opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanouskaya gaining 9.9 percent. Lukashenko faced few challenges to his sixth term as president, with his main rivals Valery Tsepkalo and Viktor Babariko being barred from standing. However, the run-up to the election saw increased political tensions and opposition protest activity. Opposition groups have denounced the election results as fraudulent.

Protests have taken place throughout Belarus since the election result was announced, with security forces blocking access to a number of cities as clashes with protesters were reported. Security forces have deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, batons, and concussion grenades in attempts to disperse crowds. Tikhanouskaya subsequently went into exile in Lithuania. The promise of military support from Russian President Vladimir Putin has seemingly emboldened Lukashenko and has seen a new wave of arrests during opposition demonstrations in Minsk and other urban centers.

Advice

Those in Belarus, particularly in Minsk, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, and refrain from discussing politically sensitive topics in public or on social media.